Masters Applied Projects

Project 8

Design, Fabrication, and Testing of a Microfluidic Hydrogel Mixer for Automated Cell Encapsulation

Student:

Tresa Sloan

Mentors:

Dr. Vincent Pizziconi- SBHSE

Dr. Brent Vernon- SBHSE

Dr. Jessica Weaver- SBHSE

YouTube Link:
View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting


Zoom link:
https://asu.zoom.us/j/5415235402

Abstract:

Beta cells produce insulin, a necessary protein for glucose regulation and make up islet cells. Without properly functioning beta cells a patient will become Type 1 Diabetic. Hydrogels have been widely used for cell transplantation due to biocompatibility and ease of implementation within the body. In this study, we aim to mix alginate and calcium carbonate together in a microfluidic mixer prior to injection into a hydrogel mold. Utilizing a mixer ensures that there is a consistent and controlled mixing, reducing the chances of premature gelation before injection. In order to produce this mixer, a CAD model was created in SolidWorks followed by extensive testing with flow simulations to show consistent mixing between alginate and water. Once these simulations were completed, multiple iterations of the mixer were printed using resin-based stereolithography. These models were then tested with colored water and clear alginate in order to reproduce the SolidWorks flow simulations. The physical testing performed was filmed then analyzed using ImageJ to find the concentration gradient at critical points within the mixer. These steps were performed for each iteration of the mixer in order to construct the best design. Implementation of a non-degradable injection mold will allow for a high throughput of cell encapsulation that will allow for more efficient cell transplantation in research and clinical applications.